‘Pioneering’ home staging firm set to expand via six-figure Midlands Engine investment

A home staging firm, based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has secured £250k backing from MEIF Maven Debt Finance, which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), and backed by the British Business Bank to accelerate its continued growth.

Fund managers Maven have supported Lemon and Lime Interiors marking its 100th client through MEIF Maven Debt Finance.

Set up to help grow small-medium sized businesses across the Midlands region, the fund has helped a wide range of businesses of varying size and industry sectors to grow the regional economy and create more than 1,300 jobs locally, while also supporting the government in ‘levelling up’ regions across the UK.

Lemon and Lime Interiors was launched in 2015 and specialises in transforming high-end properties. With growth ambitions across staffing, marketing and service offering, the team have since appointed two new senior staff members in finance and marketing with further sales and operational roles and serviced locations to come.

With UK mortgage rates predicted to drop and house prices starting to soften, more buyers are expected to be active on the property market. However, prices still remain high relative to earnings, and therefore, in order to sell, staging is expected to be in higher demand during 2024.

With expanding services and premium agent partnerships, Lemon and Lime has supported more than 850 occupied and vacant home stagings, achieving sales up to four times faster than comparable properties, often above the asking price.

Elaine Penhaul, founder and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors, said: “The core mission of our business is to ensure speedier transactions and higher prices for property owners, developers and estate agents. We’re focused on creating waves in the industry in order to change outdated and unhelpful marketing tactics currently overused in the property sector.”

Richard Brighty, investment manager at Maven, added: “Lemon and Lime is an innovative and award-winning team servicing the Midlands and beyond. It has a unique market proposition and is the perfect example of the type of ambitious and forward-thinking company we aim to support. 

“Elaine is a very accomplished leader and inspirational to her staff and customers, it has been a privilege to work together as we mark our 100th new customer milestone.

“Maven Capital Partners are proud to have successfully delivered the MEIF East Midlands debt fund since 2018, supporting 100 SME businesses with growth capital, investing over £45m and creating over 650 jobs across the region.”